Staff Mechanical Engineer
Company Overview
Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.
We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.
At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.
About the Job
We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the development of Sarmal’s next-generation IVD instrumentation and consumable systems. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of industry experience, strong mechanical design fundamentals, and experience developing complex hardware in biotechnology, life sciences, diagnostics, or related instrumentation environments.
This is a highly hands-on technical role focused on mechanical design, system development, prototyping, and problem solving. The engineer will own major mechanical components and subsystems while working closely with scientists and engineers across mechanical, electrical, fluidics, software, and assay development.
Experience developing biotech instruments, disposable consumables, microfluidic systems, or automated biochemical workflows is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
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Design and own complete subsystems, components, and assemblies within Sarmal’s IVD instrument platform.
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Translate system, assay, and operational requirements into practical mechanical architectures and detailed designs.
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Develop concepts, prototypes, breadboards, fixtures, and production-intent hardware through iterative design and testing.
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Perform detailed mechanical design including 3D CAD, tolerance analysis, GD&T, material selection, mechanism design, and design for manufacturing and assembly.
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Drive the performance characterization and improvement of test platforms / breadboards for rapid evaluation of various instrument/consumables architectures for the automation of biochemistry workflows
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Assist and guide teams in establishing best practices for development-scale consumables manufacturing, encompassing fluidic devices, functionalized solid substrates, and reagents.
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Interface with suppliers or external collaborators.
Qualifications
Required
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Strong mechanical design fundamentals and demonstrated experience developing complex hardware.
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Advanced experience with 3D CAD, tolerance analysis, GD&T, mechanism design, materials selection, and design for manufacturing/assembly.
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Demonstrated understanding of integrated fluidic-based platforms for complex assays or biochemical processes
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Demonstrated ability to independently own complex mechanical components and subsystems.
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Experience with experimental design and execution, including DOEs and root cause analysis
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Experience with microfluidic devices for nucleic acid applications is a plus
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Experience with manufacturing systems and workflows is a plus
Education & Experience
Benefits & Perks
Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company-paid life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Generous paid time off
- Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
- We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.
Why Join Sarmal
- Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
- Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
- Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
- Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
- Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company
Closing Statement
Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.
Skills
As published by lever · 3 questions · 2 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Sarmal Inc
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- Do you live in the San Diego/Los Angeles area?
Written answers (2)
- Will you now or in the future require employment visa sponsorship optional
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? optional